Minhal al Halabi

Born in a village on the border of Israel and Syria, in the Golan Heights, Minhal grew up with his brothers and sisters, learning how to paint on pieces of firewood.

"Painting was a family thing to do," he says. Having tried several jobs as a young man he found himself always returning to art "Anything to do with personal expression."

He studied art in the Ukraine at University. Then, at the age of 18, he began traveling the world. In Cape Town, South Africa, he was told about New Zealand. "I always wanted to live on an island, so here I am."

Minhal has lived in New Zealand for over 15 years and is passionate about art - especially painting.

He has left significant art works in his wake, here in New Zealand and worldwide. In his spare time he enjoys Tonga dancing - artistic indeed !